This section is about the different programs I have developed and been a part of. I hope to make this a virtual collection of the types of programs I have done, what went right with them, handy tips that I learned along the way and of course, any nifty press or pictures associated with the program.
A book discussion is a fascinating thing. As a public librarian who has always focused on readers’ advisory and the pleasure that reading can bring- it always surprised me that I had no training or practice with book discussions when I became a professional. The book discussion at the library I went to was a long standing one with regular members. I was terrified of taking this over-what do you talk about? What do you research? What if you are so boring they get up and walk out? My branch manager at the time assured me that the discussion really ran itself and most of the time she did little research and skipped reading the book.
With shaky knees I went to my first book discussion and while I had not prepared enough-I had a great time. The group was full of smart, funny people who provided different thoughts and interpretations to the book’s meaning. Slowly, I learned and I am grateful that the group allowed me to have a learning curve. I learned to read the book critically-to jot down any question that popped in my head as I read and find the answer. Why? Because little questions are sure to come up in the discussion. I researched the author’s life and what they felt about the book. I researched criticisms and reviews about the book. I researched the location or event the book revolved around and I even learned to trust my reader instincts.
What are the most important things I’ve learned about book discussions?
1. Trust your readers. They will challenge your ideas and let you challenge theirs.
2. Never underestimate the need for good food and drink. Don’t skimp and buy cheap cookies. Experiment and pamper-there are so many book clubs available to readers’ now-make sure the library is at the top of the list. If you are panicking right now; try this book: The Book Club Cookbook by Judy Gelman. There are several others, but this is my favorite.
3. Research, research, research. You are a librarian-it is what you do anyways.
4. Don’t be dependent on having discussion questions. When you do this you limit the books your group will discuss. Your research will guide you-don’t be afraid to go commando.
5. Have fun! Enjoy the opportunity to discuss literature and get paid to do it! It will expand and enlighten you.
Talking about Books: A Book Discussion Primer
In 2002, the Friends of the Library gave each branch a movie license. This was new and exciting business for us and we all rushed to come up with ideas of how to use this gift. The license is through Movie Licensing USA and allows us performance rights for films that are a part of their Studio licensing agreement. At Brentwood I experimented with an Alfred Hitchcock movie each month. A few people came to each film but it was obvious from the start that this was not a lucrative programming idea.
I have always enjoyed foreign films and with the encouragement of my branch manager, we started a Foreign Film Festival at the branch. We filled a niche in the community with this service. There were no theatres in town showing foreign films and the local university that showed films was difficult to manage with parking. The festival started in December of 2002 and is still going strong. Since then, we have networked with Missouri State University and Drury University to cross-promote the foreign films we show. There has since been a theatre in the community that has opened focusing on foreign and independent films. However, I have found that this hasn’t made our numbers go down. Foreign film buffs seem to enjoy the variety of options and appreciate that we try to show different material. Our audience is a mix of young students and older retired folks. I never imagined that a foreign film program would be fantastically intergenerational.
What should you really know about hosting a Foreign Film Festival?
1. Make sure you are compliant with the licensing company you are using. They really do check on your compliance and life is breezy when you aren’t breaking copyright.
2. Provide refreshments and make the environment cozy. We serve popcorn and lemonade. Sometimes we put out after-movie cookies which are always a big hit. Our chairs aren’t soft so we put out the carpet squares from story times if someone needs a cushion.
3. Invest in a digital projector & nice speakers if you do not already have one. It makes the experience worth coming out for-otherwise; it is just like watching a film at home without the nice couch. Good speakers are available for under $100 that enhances the sound quality greatly.
4. Allow for patron suggestions. Some of our most fun showings have been at the recommendation of our patrons.
5. Don’t rely just on award winners. Expand your horizons and consider the lesser known films. Buffs will have already seen the well-known films and your attendance will reflect this.
6. If you find yourself with a tight budget and know that you won’t be able to afford a Movie License, there is still hope. Film Movement is a “film of the month” club for independent and foreign films. You can subscribe and receive a new film every month AND each film comes with 1 public performance right. Woo hoo! These films are thought provoking and intelligent films. We subscribe to Film Movement at three of our branch libraries and the films circulate extremely well.
Culinary Crime Book Discussion and Recipe Exchange
February 8, 2003. Brentwood Library.
Blurb: “Does the latest Diane Mott Davidson novel leave your tummy rumbling? Join us for an informal discussion on your favorite culinary mystery authors. Bring along a recipe to share and sample recipes from the culinary crime books. ”
Hands down, this is still my favorite program! The patron response was incredible-we had to cut off the registration at 75 people. The Springfield News-Leader interviewed me about the program and took pictures of us making food from the Diane Mott Davidson books.
The program itself was very laid back. Many of the patrons brought dishes they had made from the various culinary mystery books out there. Everyone had copies of their recipes for exchange and the food was delicious. The discussion was like a roundtable meeting where everyone jumped in with their own personal stories and comments about different books they liked and why. No one needed prodding-while I had questions ready, they were not needed.
Supplies needed: space for food & recipes, cups, plates & napkins.
Materials provided to attendees: Mystery definition & Culinary Crime definition; booklist of culinary crime authors; survey about library programming; entry to door prize drawing.
Comments received from patrons:
- “I love mysteries and I love food-it doesn’t get any better than this.”
- “This is great! And exciting!”
- “Thank you so much for the great food, discussion and book list!”
- “Thanks, this was a lot of fun.”
- “I have spent a lot of time and money tracking down more culinary mystery authors and you have made my day with your booklist!”
One of the suggestions I heard over and over from the Culinary Crimes Program was that we needed a discussion group that met in the evening to accommodate work schedules and our patrons wanted that discussion group to be about mysteries. I whole-heartedly believe in doing programming that our patron’s want so we gave it a try.
The discussions were lively and good and we held the discussion group for about a year. I had a loyal group but they never seemed to make it to the same discussion. A lot of research and prep work went into a discussion that sometimes only had 1 member besides me. When administration asked each of us to evaluate our programming and the costs involved, it became apparent that the mystery book discussion was not being cost effective. With much sadness, we discontinued the group.
One thing I learned was how interesting a mystery book discussion can be. Even the lighter, fluffier mysteries can bring up interesting and controversial topics to discuss. Don’t limit yourself to the deep and complicated mysteries. They have their place but if you do nothing but your group will burn out quickly.
Despite what you may think of the quality of the tome, The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown is a fun, fun book to discuss. We had a veritable mix of backgrounds at our discussion and with respect for each angle; we all came away from the discussion enlightened.
The Feng Shui Clutter program (March 2003) fell into my lap as my library is known as the feng shui library. Across the street from the library is a decorating and carpet shop that is owned by a certified Feng Shui instructor. She likes to give back to the community by provided Feng Shui courses at the library.
Feng Shui programs are a huge hit here, our sign up lists are close to 100 people (or over) and there is little cost to the library for the service. Having local experts present programs is a superb way to provide an education or recreation for our patrons beyond the expertise of any of our staff members.
July 19, 2003 Blurb: “Why should summer fun be just for kids? Take a break, build a sundae, and re-discover your love of books at our old-fashioned, ice cream social and book discussion. Be prepared to discuss your favorite book past, present or future. Ice cream and fixins provided.”
Agenda:
- Quotes at each chair, participants read their quote to the group at random times during the program.
- Interactive discussions about our favorite books. Leader (Jen) has prepared book talks for the down times
- Ray Bradbury/Fahrenheit 451 discussion
- Lots of ice cream & goodies
What I learned: The program was a great idea and we had a lot of fun. However! Despite being advertised for adults, when kids see ice cream they go nuts! Have a plan or an alternate program to erase those sad faces and frowns when they realize it’s not an ice cream party for them.
